Nearly 400 years ago, in 1623, Avedis Zildjian founded a cymbal-manufacturing company in Istanbul. Now run by 14th generation family member Craigie Zildjian, along with her sister Debbie, the company has outlasted empires, survived a move overseas to the US, and thrived during the economic turmoil of the Great Depression and two World Wars.

Today, the company controls 65% of the world’s cymbal market, and took in more than $50m in revenues last year. But for the Zildjians, it’s more than just a business. Walking through the halls of the Zildjian factory in Norwell, Massachusetts, is like getting a front row seat to music history. The hallways are lined with photos of famous drummers such as Ringo Starr and Roy Haynes. Jazz drummer Buddy Rich’s drum kit is preserved in full. Drummers of all stripes often arrive to test the Zildjians’ latest cymbals – there’s even a special pressurised room that can re-create the acoustics…